Sunday, March 27, 2016

3-D printing is a imaginative and innovative way to create objects right from your home! Or from wherever you can access one, as they can be a bit pricey. There are many different versions and each one may have a few different features, and use different software, but they all pretty much have the same goal...to make magic happen!
But seriously, some of you may be wondering what in the world I'm talking about, don't worry, I was in that same boat when the topic first reached me. But to summarize just how awesome this new technology is, here's how it works. A person can either use a software to uploaded an object onto a computer or a 3-D scanner (crazy, huh?) to scan in an object to the computer, that would then go to the 3-D printer, where it would start creating this masterpiece. It does so by using building and supporting material, similar to ink in a regular printer, that dispenses as needed in a layering form to build the object from the bottom to the top. These objects can range anywhere from a toy dinosaur to a globe, which is why I get so excited talking about 3-D printing.

Stay with me here. Imagine a classroom where anything you needed to teach a lesson, was at your fingertips. I mean, think about it. You want to do a lesson in geography but never thought to buy a globe, so you go on over to your 3-D printer, put in your design, and BAM! You have a globe! Think about how useful this could be in so many classrooms at so many levels. One scenario that comes to mind is a biology class. In both high school and college, how useful it would have been to be able to create cell structures or organs with a few clicks of a button. Kinesthetic learners would have the equal opportunities at learning as do visual and auditory learners. Teachers often instruct by speaking and giving examples or providing text and pointing out key notes both verbally and on a board or presentation, but not nearly as often are teachers able to provide the students with something they can hold to truly grasp the lesson.

I believe that having this technology on hand can greatly inspire both students and teachers to be creative, engaged, and assist in their learning and teaching experience. From counting blocks to the skeletal system, institutions would be able to provide access to some of the most useful and necessary learning tools at the drop of a hat!

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Hey guys!
Welcome to Ashley's blog! My name is Sally Crouch and I am a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and the owner of Schueler's Personal Care home and I will be your guest blogger for today. A little bit about myself: I have 3 children (all grown and out of the house) and 4 step-children (also grown and out of the house). I started my business almost 20 years ago as a Certified Nursing Assistant and went back to school to become and LPN about 9 years ago. Since then I have ran my business, worked for Trinity Hospice Care, and I began my journey as a grandmother almost 3 years ago. In these 3 short years, my husband and I have welcomed five grandchildren and we have one on the way! Time has gone by rather quickly and life has been full of joy. And although hectic, there is always some things that remain constant. As for my home, that is the importance of reading. Throughout my life, in all aspects, whether it be raising children, running a business, or just making a trip into the store, reading has proved to be the foundation to everything over and over again. When I look back and wonder what I would have done differently, the one thing I never regret is pushing my children to not only read, but to read well. Now that our grandchildren are here, we have the same goal for them. To be able to read means to have opportunities. When you can read, you can reach any goal you set. I grew up with a foreign mother, which meant I had to depend on educators and myself to learn how to read and that is one thing I never wanted my children or my grandchildren to have to worry about. This is a fine example of just how important educators are. Sometimes it is not as simple as a child can't read because they do not want to, but it is possible they have parents that can't teach them. It is because of people like you all (educators, future educators, or simply individuals that care) that children are able to make all of their dreams come true. When we take the time to sit down and teach a child to read a word, guide them through a book, or use our technology to help them communicate, we are opening doors to their future. We are providing them with the essentials they do to make the next steps of their lives. We are impacting their forever. With many odds against me, I was able to become a successful woman and care for my mother in her elder years. It is because of educators that took the time to work with me and guide me that I am the person I am today and I hope one day, you to will make a similar impact on a child's life. Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me!